Helleborus HGC Liah

Helleborus HGC Liah is a superb recent creation, the result of the unlikely alliance between the Christmas rose, Helleborus niger, and the Lenten rose, Helleborus orientalis. Combining the qualities of its parents, it offers a fantastic flowering period lasting 5 months, from autumn to spring. Its flowers are a slightly intense,  bright pink. This robust and very hardy perennial can be grown in a border, under shrubs and even in a pot. It is easy to grow in all regions, even in heavy and limestone soils, and thrives in shade or non-scorching sun. Its flowers are beautiful and precious in winter bouquets.

The hybridization between Helleborus niger and Helleborus orientalis seemed impossible until now. However, this cross-breeding was successfully carried out at the Bellevue Gardens in Beaumont-le-Hareng, Normandy, by Martine and Lucie Lemonnier. After this first success, new cultivars are appearing. Helleborus HGC Liah is an evergreen herbaceous perennial belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. Forming a clump 45 cm (18in) in all directions, this variety stands out for its long-lasting continuous flowering, starting in November and ending in April. Its abundant flowers proudly stand above beautiful glossy foliage, revealing their yellow stamen hearts. They consist of 5 rounded petals, arranged in an open cup, in a beautifully rich and deep pink. The foliage is composed of palmate, slightly toothed, dark green and shiny, evergreen basal leaves, 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in) long, organized into 7 to 9 leaflets. They actually only live for 8 months and are regularly replaced by new leaves. Hellebore does not like to be moved, once established, the young plants take some time to flower. The seeds are sown by ants.

Use Hellebores as elements of an ancient tapestry, mixing them with shade plants with brighter colours. They are highlighted when planted near Pieris, small-sized rhododendrons or under conifers (especially in windy locations). Surround them with primroses, Wood Anemones, Corydalis, Dicentras, Cardamines, or spring-flowering bulbs and Snowdrops. You can also accompany them with Ferns and shade-loving irises to create a beautiful contrast later in the season. They can be planted in groups near the entrance of the house, in shady areas, to fully enjoy their early flowering. They are suitable as cut flowers and in borders, beds, or even containers... Over time, Hellebore flowers do not fade like the majority of other flowers, but instead dry up.